Good news: All the hours kids spend watching The Simpsons, they also may be learning something about science. Paul Halpern, a physics and mathematics professor at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia and a fan of the show, uses episodes in his classes. Science themes that pop up in the show include a broad range in biology, chemistry, astronomy and physics.

The man who invented artificial dog testicles now has something in common with the guy who created the plastic pink flamingo and the researchers who proved that chickens are partial to attractive humans. They're all Ig Nobel winners people whose research makes others think, then laugh.